FA warn of fines over Doncaster Rovers smoke bomb yobs

Doncaster Rovers fans are being warned they face jail and life bans from the club if they continue to set off smoke bombs at games.

And Rovers have been told by the Football Association they could be subject to financial penalties from the sport’s governing body unless the yobs are brought under control.

The club have announced a fresh clampdown on fans bringing pyrotechnics to games – and pledged to get tough on the culprits.

It follows a smoke bomb being hurled on to the pitch at Rovers’ League One game at Crewe last month as well as an incident at Barnsley’s Oakwell Stadium last Tuesday.

A statement issued by the club said: “Doncaster Rovers Football Club would like to reiterate our stance that we are absolutely against the use of pyrotechnics inside or outside of any football stadium.

“Supporters found using pyrotechnics either at Keepmoat Stadium or at any away ground will be the subject of action by the club and the police.

“Such is the determination of the authorities to eradicate the use of pyrotechnics from football, any supporter found to be using them could be liable to a criminal conviction and, in certain cases, imprisonment.

“The Football Association have explained the serious financial repercussions the club will now face should there be further pyrotechnic devices brought inside stadiums by our fans.”

The statement by the FA said: “Please be advised that we may have to consider disciplinary action against the club if further reports of spectator misconduct should be received.”

Flares and smoke bombs have also been set off at Scunthorpe United’s Glanford Park ground and Fleetwood Town’s Highbury stadium by Rovers supporters this season.

Flares, often used by supporters on the continent, have been growing in popularity among UK fans over the past few seasons – but a safety campaign has warned the devices can burn at temperatures of up to 1600c, extreme enough to melt most metal.

The items are among the list of banned items inside all British football stadiums.

Supporters are being urged to pass the names of culprits to the police.